This is a new record for Ridgeons, which has been particularly active in raising money for local charities over the years. The challenge involves climbing the three highest mountains in England, Wales and Scotland and it is one of the toughest events in the country. The team from Ridgeons undertook the training in their own time and completed as a team this summer. Representatives form the team’s chosen charities, Cancer Research UK, Crohn’s and Colitis UK, and Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust, were presented with the cheque at Ridgeons’ Cromwell Road branch in Cambridge.

They were driven to raise money for these worthy causes following the loss of two colleagues, James Carr and Ron Bentley, who both died of cancer. Mr Carr also suffered from Crohn’s disease earlier in his life, his wife Jane took part in the challenge and the team wanted to support their families chosen charities. Cancer Research will receive £6,780.49, Chron’s and Colitis UK £6,716.27 and ACT £6,430.49.

Rebecca Mason, human resources manager said: “I can’t tell you how much my legs hurt after the event. It was a real struggle getting down the steps of the minibus, Bob lifted me out! The amount of money raised is so much more than any of us anticipated. I hope that the monies raised can go some way to giving James’ family some comfort of how well he was thought of at Ridgeons and beyond.”

Gary Robertson, group process manager said: “The team really did great and completed it in appalling conditions. We managed to get as many people as possible over the three mountains and raised over twenty thousand pounds. Everyone really gave it their all and enjoyed it.”